Technical Officer, Polio and Measles Laboratory at World Health Organization

Description Of Duties
The incumbent is assigned all or part of the following responsibilities which are performed according to the needs and agenda:

• To provide technical expertise Polio and measles/ rubella laboratory surveillance to countries of the sub-region;
• To define and implement quality-assurance of WHO endorsed diagnostic technologies with emphasis on quality management systems towards accreditation;
• To support the development of laboratories work plans, guidelines, standard operating procedures in cooperation with sub-regional, regional and national stakeholders and support their implementation;
• To build the capacity of national public health or reference laboratories, to perform laboratory surveillance of priority communicable diseases, confirm etiological agents and monitor antimicrobial resistance, through training and supervision of laboratory technicians and improving quality assurance and control.
• To support the monitoring of laboratories supplies, reagents and resources;
• Support the laboratory component of polio and measles/rubella certification processes;
• To coordinate and support the monitoring and evaluation of polio and measles/ rubella laboratories activities in the sub region;
• To set up functional laboratory services to provide high-level expertise in laboratory diagnostics and quality control including conducting research and training to support these activities.
• To contribute to the establishment and strengthening of partnerships to fully support the joint regional activities of the Global Laboratory Initiatives (GLI)
• To promote uptake of WHO/AFRO policy guidance and use of GLI laboratory strengthening, including serving as focal point to coordinate technical assistance and strengthen laboratory capability at the sub-regional, regional and inter-country national levels, in close cooperation with other VPD staff and other clusters as appropriate;
• To coordinate and support critical reviews and assessments, documenting key achievements; promoting information-sharing on best practices in laboratory technologies
• To support the development and maintenance of up-to-date sub-regional and national databases.
• To support close collaboration at regional, sub-regional and country levels laboratories and WHO collaborating centers on databases and information sharing through annual progress reports, meetings, training and feedback.
• To contribute to resource mobilization and advocacy strategies and reporting on polio and measles/rubella laboratories surveillance projects at regional and/or sub regional level.
• To support the Team Leader and EPI Focal Points in the development of work plans and budgetary proposals, as required.
• To perform other related responsibilities as assigned, including replacing and backstopping for others as required.

Required Qualifications
Education

• Essential: Master’s degree in biomedical science, in microbiology, virology or related field.
• Desirable: Post-graduate degree in biomedical science, microbiology, virology or related field. Specialization in tropical/communicable disease control.

Experience
Essential:

• At least seven (7) years’ experience in the field of laboratory methodologies and procedures, complemented by experience in project management of tropical/communicable diseases reference laboratory projects at country level, including project planning, implementation, monitoring, evaluation, quality assurance, research and/or health worker training.

Desirable

• Experience in policy formulation, strategic and policy planning implementation and monitoring of laboratory activities, preferably related to immunization and disease surveillance.
• Experience in health emergencies management and response.

Skills

• Within the context of the Global and Regional Vaccine action plans, demonstrated knowledge of and experience in laboratory methodologies, technologies, procedures and biosafety aspects, complemented by ability to plan, coordinate and implement laboratory protocols at sub-regional level; monitoring and reporting on results, progress, lessons learnt and obstacles.
• Proven track record in the assessment of laboratories surveillance, including but not limited to the development and implementation of norms and standards and effective reporting mechanisms and systems, and/or M&E.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills with ability to write in a clear and concise manner and give technical advice and guidance taking into consideration the views of multiple stakeholders and partners in resource-limited contexts; and to participate in resource mobilization and advocacy activities.
• Proven interpersonal skills with ability to promote consensus, communicate progress and results, and resolve issues in a proactive manner, while ensuring effective work practices and ethics. Diplomacy, tact and courtesy.

WHO Competencies

• Teamwork
• Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences
• Communication
• Creating a motivating and empowering environment
• Moving forward in a changing environment

Use of Language Skills

• Essential: Expert knowledge of English or French.
• Desirable: Working knowledge of other UN official languages.

Other Skills

• Proven ability to use standard office software packages, Conversant with common IT software including eHealth tools.